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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Fast Break

The Spokesman-Review

College football

Willingham still coaches Huskies

Despite an 11-25 record at Washington and some unhappy fans, Tyrone Willingham will return next season as Huskies football coach.

The school confirmed the decision at Willingham’s regular end-of-year news conference Wednesday afternoon. The briefing had been delayed amid rumors that Washington President Mark Emmert was considering whether to fire him.

Washington finished the season 4-9, including a 42-35 loss to Washington State in the Apple Cup. Willingham is the first Huskies coach with three consecutive losing seasons.

Willingham, 53, has two years remaining on the five-year contract. His contract pays him $1.4 million per year, including deferred compensation.

Rodeo

Local cowboys at Nationals

The National Finals Rodeo kicks off its 10-day run in Las Vegas tonight with the top cowboys and cowgirls competing for $5.5 million.

A pair of local cowboys hopes to earn a chunk of that change. Bareback rider Ryan Gray (Cheney) is making his third appearance in the Finals and tie-down roper Tyson Durfey (Colbert) is making his first.

The top 15 in each event qualified for the NFR. Gray is sitting in third place and Durfey is 12th.

Gray has won more than $94,000 and Durfey more than $65,000.

All go-rounds are being televised on ESPN2. Eight are tape delayed at 9 p.m., but two are live at 6 p.m. – Sunday’s fourth round and the final round on Dec. 15.

College football

Super soph in Heisman final 4

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, trying to become the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, the runner-up for last year’s award, were among the four finalists selected.

Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan were the other finalists. They will all be in New York on Saturday night when the award is given to the top player in college football.